The Business School
BUACC2606 – Corporate Accounting
Semester 2, 2013
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
Assessment weight: 25%
Due Date: Week 10
Length: 2000 words
Group Assignment: 2 people
Stigler’s ‘private interest theory’ proposes that regulatory bodies (including accounting
standard setters) are made up of individuals who are self-interested, and these individuals
will introduce regulation that best serves their own self-interest. If regulators acted in
accordance with the predictions provided by private interest theory of regulation, what is the
likely of the introduction of regulation aimed at reducing the problems associated with
climate change, particularly if business corporations opposed such regulations?
Stigler, G. J. 1971, The politicisation of accounting, Journal of Accountancy, 146(5), pp. 65-
72
Required
a. Compare the view espoused by the economist Milton Friedman about the social
responsibilities of business with the views express by Stigler above.
b. Discuss the standards that are inherent in Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
c. Choose a company listed on the ASX and discuss how the company has disclosed
Corporate Social Responsible (CSR) issues. Refer to instruction 2 below.
d. Evaluate your company performance in relation to GRI standards and comment on
Stigler’s theory
Instructions
1. The research essay is to be conducted in groups of two. Students do not have the
option to extend or reduce the size of the group.
2. Each group must choose a different company listed on the ASX. Discuss you chosen
company with your lecturer/tutor to ensure there is no duplication.
3. Assignments must not exceed the word counts indicated.
4. Your assignment must include an abstract/synopsis, introduction, essay body that
clearly addresses the problem areas, a conclusion and a properly referenced (refer to
the research essay marking guide for further guidance)